- Introductions were completed.
- Minutes from the last meeting were approved; if you would like to refer to past minutes, they are always available on the DD Council website: (www.manhattanddcouncil.org).
III. Announcements : Flyers Distributed
AHRC NYC
Program vacancy list is attached; if anyone is interested in summer camp programs, you will need to apply now.
IAC
The Sixth Annual Conference, “Visionary Leadership,” will be held June 6-8. See attached for details. For information, professionals can go to www.iacny.org.
QSAC
Current program openings are attached; call 718-728-8476 for more information.
QSAC also offers a Seniors with Autism and Aging Caregivers Project, for people on the autism spectrum who are 55 or older, and primary caregivers who are 60 and over. For referrals or to join the resource network, call Patrick Paglen at 718-728-8476, ext. 1242.
New York Deaf and Blind Collaborative
Children and youth who are deaf and blind are eligible for assistance with referrals, instructional practice, family support and training, transition planning, and more. See attached for details, or go to nydbc@qc.cuny.edu, or call 718-997-4856.
Esperanza
See attached for funds for transportation reimbursement for up to $600 per year for Manhattan families; for more information, call Kary Paulino at 212-928-5810, ext. 178.
ADAPT Community Network – formerly UCP of New York City
Information for the upcoming free workshop on 6/16 on parenting children with autism spectrum disorder is attached. There is also a workshop on 5/25 on siblings of people on the autism spectrum. Call 718-436-7979 ext. 704, or email familyconnect@adaptcommunitynetwork.org
See attached for services and supports; there is immediate availability for Community Habilitation (all boroughs but Queens), openings in work readiness in Brooklyn and Staten Island, and funds for family reimbursement. For more information, email projectconnect@adaptcommunitynetwork.org or go to www.adaptcommunitynetwork.org.
New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI)
People with housing issues, including accommodation (physical), discrimination, or exclusion (landlord won’t take vouchers or problems with Section 8) should call 212-244-4664, and if NYPLI can’t assist, they can refer the person to someone who can help them.
Sinergia
See attached for information on the NYS Region 1 Parent Training and Information Center Collaborative, Family Support Case Management, and free evaluations for people who live in Manhattan and are seeking OPWDD eligibility. Evaluations can be conducted in the home and on the weekends.
NYC FAIR – Family Advocacy Information Resource
There will be a Town Hall Meeting with Jason Helgerson, NYS Medicaid Director on June 12, from 6-8pm. There will be a discussion of how the Medicaid Transformation impacts people with I/DD. See attached for more details and registration information, or go to www.nycfair.org.
YAI
Information is attached for service vacancies, including family reimbursement and free evals in Manhattan. Also see attached for a Parents With Special Needs program, Crisis Intervention, and emergency respite funds.
For more information about these programs, or the Autism Family Support Series, Autism parent support group, an Adult Yoga group, psychological evaluations, and all other services, call YAI Link at 212-273-6182, email link@yai.org or go to www.yai.org/link.
Presentation: NYC Kids Project: Teaching Children Inclusion and Respect for All
This program goes into schools to teach children without disabilities, preschool to high school, sensitivity, empathy, and connection to children with disabilities of all types. They also go into special education settings including District 75. Using puppets and theater with facilitated dialogue, the program addresses social exclusion, bullying, stereotypes, and diversity. Formerly funded by OPWDD, the program now raises funds privately to continue bringing their message to school children. For more information, please see the attachment and visit their website at www.nyckidsproject.org. Contact them at 646-766-3456 or e-mail at info@nyckidsproject.org.
- State News – Ellen Bleckman
- Acting Commissioner Delaney sent a letter to the field regarding the MSC transition to Care Coordination Organizations (CCOs) to reassure MSCs that OPWDD wants to preserve jobs as MSCs get picked up by CCOs. Anticipated start date for CCOs is January 1. Marco Damiani pointed out that more communication and clarification are needed for MSCs and families.
- Respite Rates: OPWDD held two webexes this week to present the changes to agencies and respond to their questions. The powerpoint may be found on the OPWDD website: https://opwdd.ny.gov.
- City News – Sandra Piggee
- Public Health Solutions’ contracts will be managed by the Department. The process should be completed by December 1.
- The Local Government Plan was completed.
- Money for the Family Support Services Fair runs on the fiscal year, not the annual year.
- IAC/Federation – Jim Malley, Suzanne Timmerhans
IAC: Suzanne Timmerhans
- Chris Suriano, the new Deputy Commissioner for Special Education of NYS SED, has been working cooperatively with the special education provider associations.
- SED has requested the same increases that IAC has been advocating, but the request must be approved by the Governor and the NYS Division of the Budget.
- IAC, together with COPA, is rolling out an advocacy campaign similar to the #bFair2DirectCare effort, to win raises for 4410 and 853 teachers and assistant teachers.
- IAC has concerns about the new auditing protocol. There has been an increase in 45-day and 60-day letters downstate, most likely attributable to the difficulties providers are experiencing in recruiting and retaining direct support professionals.
- OPWDD will soon issue a letter of intent for agencies to act as temporary operators in cases where providers cannot continue on their own.
- IAC’s Annual Conference will be held on June 8 and 9 and will feature workshops on schools, housing, and the future of Medicaid.
Federation: Jim Malley
Representatives from the borough councils and FSSACs met to complete the Local Government Plan. The top priority has been changed to raising DSP salaries. The second priority is residential development.
VII. Committee Reports
Family Support Services: Yesenia Estrella reported that at the May 9 meeting, there was a presentation from NYC Emergency Management. The committee is searching for a more central and less expensive location for the Fair. The site must be large enough to accommodate 500 people, 70 vendor tables, and at least 3 break-out rooms If you have any suggestions, please contact Wendy De Leon at wdeleon@adaptcommunitynetwork.org. In case we do not find a more appropriate site, we placed a hold on last year’s space at New York Academy of Medicine for December 14. Next meeting: Tuesday, June 13, 2017, 10:00 am – noon, Sinergia, 2082 Lexington Avenue, 4th floor. Information: Yesenia Estrella (212) 643-2840 x 349; yestrella@sinergiany.org
Legislative: Jim Malley reported that a small group, including constituents, met with staff of Congressman Nadler and Congressman Espaillat to educate them on Medicaid issues unique to people with developmental disabilities. Although people with developmental disabilities are a small part of the Medicaid population, they utilize a considerable portion of the Medicaid budget. We recognize, therefore, that we are a target for Medicaid cuts. We would be in competition for funding with large hospitals, which have impressive resources that are lacking in the DD field. The meetings were helpful in illuminating issues with which staff were not familiar.
Of concern, three proposed laws:
- To change the penalty for not reporting allegations of abuse and neglect to the Justice Center from misdemeanor to felony.
- To mandate cameras in the common areas of residences.
- To require psychological testing for DSPs.
Next meeting to be announced. Information: Jim Malley (212) 928-5810 x 101; jmalley@esperanzacenter.net.
Transition: Kathy Kelly reported that at the May 10 meeting, CAS implementation was reviewed. CAS administration is separate from the Front Door and does not delay the Front Door process.
There are about 96 District 75 June graduates and one or two from other schools. All but 10 have eligibility, and those are in process. Most have MSC and are selecting providers. One student with significant behaviors has not yet found services. Next meeting: Wednesday, June 14, 2017, 9:30 am – noon, AHRC, 83 Maiden Lane, 11th floor. Information: Kathy Kelly (212) 780-2724; Kathy.kelly@ahrcnyc.org.
Manhattan Family Support Services Advisory Council: Margaret Puddington announced two upcoming FSSAC meetings. (1) An overview of services for families raising their child at home, for new families, May 16, 2017, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm, at Sinergia, 2082 Lexington Avenue, 4th floor. (2) Peter Della Bella, psychiatrist, will discuss medications that can ameliorate behaviors, Tuesday, June 6, 2017, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, Birch Family Services, 104 West 29th Street, 2nd floor training room. Information: Margaret Puddington (212) 799-2042; Margaret.puddington@gmail.com.
Service Coordination: Carol Lincoln reported that there was a presentation on special needs trusts at the April meeting. Work is underway in planning the MSC forum; registration is on target, workshops are interesting and relevant. You can register online at www.manhattanddcouncil.org. MSC Forum: Friday, May 19, 2017, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Pace University, 3 Spruce Street, Upper Level. Information: Carol Lincoln (718) 859-5420 x 225; clincoln@ucpnyc.org.